Page 99 of Haven

I don’t know if that’s the right move, but it’s something we’re all working on together, so I don’t push it. At least she’s trying. She told Andrew she was taking the rest of the year off. She wanted a break. He understood, but we don’t know if he’ll still partner with her if and when she decides she’s ready to step back on the ice.

Today, the three of us, plus Myrtle, walk into a house being built on the other side of the lake. Everyone agreed, moving back into the old house wasn’t an option. We’ve been staying at my place, but that doesn’t feel right either.

“How’s the view?” Lindy asks as she carries Myrtle through the house and onto a covered back porch. “We’re next to the falls. I’m going down to the dock.”

“Okay,” Ashlyn calls back, then she turns to me. “Do you think it’s too soon? The move? The new house? Should we wait?”

“No, baby. We’ve got to keep moving or we’re going to get stuck.” I look around the wide-open space surrounding us. It’s still in the early stages of construction. We’d have time to make changes. Customizations. “I think it’s perfect. It gives us a chance to start our lives together in a space that’s ours.”

A slow smile spreads across Ashlyn’s face. “I like that. I want something that’s ours.”

“Me too, baby.”

She tugs me behind her to look around the first floor. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, and a huge fireplace is the focal point of the room. We could do so much with it.

We turn into a big room with another fireplace. “Do you think that’s the primary bedroom?”

“Probably. I guess if we’re on the first floor and Lindy’s on the second, it would give us a little more privacy.”

“It would.” She spins to face me and runs her fingers down my cheek. “But here’s the thing. I don’t know that I’d want to be that far away from Lindy. And it would be a nightmare to have a newborn upstairs if we’re downstairs. We’d need at least one more room down here.”

“What?” I was looking at the high ceilings, thinking reclaimed crown molding would look great in here. What did I just miss? “Wait... what are you saying?”

She takes my hand and places it on her stomach. “I’m saying I saw Wren this morning, and she confirmed it for me. We’re pregnant. I know we didn’t plan this, but—”

I lift her off her feet and spin her around. “Seriously? We’re gonna have a baby?”

“We are.” Happy tears pool in Ashlyn’s pretty green eyes. “Are you happy?” she whispers.

“I’m so happy, baby. Do you know if it’s a boy or girl yet?” I ask in absolute awe of the woman in front of me.

“No. It’s too early. We’ll find that out together in a few weeks.” She looks out at Lindy, who’s walking Myrtle down by the falls. “Do you think she’ll be okay with this?”

“It might take a while at first, but I think she’ll be as excited as we are.” I cup her face in my hands and seal my mouth over hers. “Let’s get married, baby. Let’s not wait.”

“Okay,” she laughs. “Let’s do it.”

“Are you sure? I know you wanted to plan a big wedding.”

“Give me a week, and I’ll figure it out. I’ll need to look at your game schedule and Jace’s. Who do you want there besides us?” The gleam in her eyes is breathtaking.

“I just want our family and maybe Declan and Watty. But so long as it’s me and you and Lindy, I don’t really care. Just the people we love.”

“The people you love are so very,very, lucky, Brandon.”

“Pretty sure I’m the lucky one, Ashlyn.” I press my forehead to hers, and she closes her eyes.

“I love you, Brandon Dixon.”

“With every beat of my heart, Ashlyn. With every beat of my heart.”

EPILOGUE

Lenny

“Istill remember the first time I met Ashlyn. It’s pretty hard to forget your father bringing home a new wife who could have gone to high school with you.” I look over at Ashlyn and Dixon and sniff away my tears. “I had no idea back then what you’d mean to me. I didn’t know how hard you love. How protective you are of those you love or what an incredible mother you’d be to my little sister. My mom used to say everything happens for a reason. And I believe with my whole heart you became a member of our family because it’s where you were always meant to be. So if everyone could please raise your glasses in honor of Ashlyn and Brandon. We are so lucky to be in your circle. And I just know you’re going to have a long and happy life together.Salute.”

I watch, teary-eyed, as the bride and groom kiss, then move out onto the dance floor, and a beautiful rendition of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” echoes throughout the room. They touch their foreheads together like I’ve seen them do so many times before, and I lose the battle with my tears.

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